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Apple has plans to introduce the next-generation iPad Air in October, according to Taiwan's Commercial Times [Google Translate]. The site says the updated tablet will enter production in September, shipping next month.

Commercial Times also suggests that the next-generation Retina iPad mini might not launch alongside the iPad Air, coming instead in early 2015, with the 12.9-inch iPad Pro to follow in the second quarter of 2015.

ipad_air_touch_id_mockup_2.jpg
Physical mockup of the second-generation iPad Air

While the rumor suggesting the 12.9-inch iPad Pro will be coming in the second quarter of 2015 is in line with previous rumors, there has been no prior indication that second-generation iPad Air and the next-generation Retina iPad mini will see separate launch timelines.

Previous rumors have indicated that both the Retina iPad mini and the iPad Air 2 will be introduced simultaneously at an event in October. Recently, a rumor suggested the two tablets could be introduced at an October 21 media event, but that prediction was quickly shot down by The Loop's Jim Dalrymple. Dalrymple did not, however, rule out an event at another date in October, so an October unveil of the two tablets remains likely. According to recent report from Bloomberg, the iPad Air 2 is in production and the Retina iPad mini 2 is entering production soon.

Both the next-generation iPad Air and Retina iPad mini are expected to gain updated A8 processors, camera improvements, and the Touch ID fingerprint sensor first introduced with the iPhone 5s. Apple's iPad Air 2 may also gain an anti-reflective screen coating and it may also ship in gold, silver, and space gray, much like the iPhone.

Article Link: iPad Air 2 Rumored to Launch in October, Updated Retina iPad Mini May Come Later
 
Good, my budget can take a break from apple purchases.

Sounds like I would have no need for this iPad, since I have an iPad mini Retina already.

I love it, but I wouldn't upgrade just for an A8 processor and finger print sensor, and the delay on a new mini is even better.

Now, that 12.9" iPad might be a temptation...maybe. That's got to be a true laptop replacement - hopefully they are thinking about such things as including a keyboard, porting xCode to run on the thing for native app development on the iPad and dual monitor support, and a real filesystem.

If they are going whole hog - I will buy one. If not, probably pass on that as well.
 
i honestly dont really see how this justifies a keynote

I was thinking this, unless they decide to introduce a retina Macbook Air, they can just do a ''refresh''.

Not sure what they could add to the iPad right now, unless they change some major functionality.
 
my ipad 3 was pretty much my toilet reading and sometimes my relax in patio machine.

but now i have my iphone 6+.... i don't need to drop another 500-600 or so on that.
 
I was thinking this, unless they decide to introduce a retina Macbook Air, they can just do a ''refresh''.

Not sure what they could add to the iPad right now, unless they change some major functionality.

• They can show off Yosemite and announce a launch date
• Can reveal iOS 8.1 that may gain some new features that the iPad can take advantage of
• Announcement of the new MacBook Air
• Announcement of Retina iMac

Just a few ideas. It would probably be a small event
 
I'll be curious if the new iPads with run a more powerful variant of the A8 (A8X?) to better handle the supposed split-screen multitasking and rumored 12.9" iPad.
 
If this is true, looks like the rMini will be the first victim of the iPhone 6+. Apple is known to prefer cannibalizing its own than let a competitor do it for them.
 
• They can show off Yosemite and announce a launch date
• Can reveal iOS 8.1 that may gain some new features that the iPad can take advantage of
• Announcement of the new MacBook Air
• Announcement of Retina iMac

Just a few ideas. It would probably be a small event

Yeah, that would be good.

Actually, they may officially launch Apple Pay at that time then with a full list of more stores that one can use their iPhones at. Would be some good stuff.
 
Yawn Yawn Yawn.

God I'm worried this is going to be amazingly dull and boring.

Here is the new iPad Air 2

Same case, Same size and shape, same speaker layout.

We added TouchID the phone had over a year ago, it's a bit faster, camera a little better, but not as good as our phones still and we messed with the screen a bit.

show over :(

I want a new tablet, but afraid the above it all this is going to be :(

I so so so hope I'm wrong.
 
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